WASHINGTON – The Biden administration has quietly begun delivering hundreds of millions of dollars worth of military aid to Ukraine, using a combination of presidential drawdown authority and funds approved by Congress, according to two people familiar with the matter..
The aid, which includes anti-tank missiles, small arms and ammunition, is being flown to Ukraine from US military stockpiles in Europe, the people said. It is the first tranche of a $350 million security assistance package that the Biden administration approved last month..
The delivery of the aid comes as the US and its allies grow increasingly concerned about the possibility of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russia has amassed more than 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border, and US officials have warned that an invasion could come at any time..
The Biden administration has said that it is committed to providing Ukraine with the resources it needs to defend itself against a potential Russian invasion. The delivery of the military aid is a sign that the administration is putting its money where its mouth is..
The aid is being delivered through the US European Command, which is responsible for military operations in Europe. The aid is being flown to Ukraine from Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the people said..
The delivery of the aid is likely to be met with resistance from Russia, which has warned the US not to provide Ukraine with weapons. Russia has also said that it is prepared to take military action if Ukraine tries to join NATO..
The US and its allies have made it clear that they will not tolerate a Russian invasion of Ukraine. They have said that they will impose severe sanctions on Russia if it invades Ukraine, and they have also said that they will provide Ukraine with military assistance to defend itself..
The delivery of the military aid is a sign that the US is taking the threat of a Russian invasion seriously. It is also a sign that the US is committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence..
